Enstrom 480b vs Gulfstream G700 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Enstrom 480B and the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are light helicopters suited to short-range missions, while the Pilatus PC-24 and Gulfstream G700 are fixed‑wing business aircraft designed for longer trips. The Enstrom 480B is a small turbine helicopter typically carrying about four to five people including the pilot, with practical range on the order of a few hundred miles, making it best for local transport and utility flying. The MD 902 Explorer is a larger twin‑engine helicopter usually configured for roughly six to eight occupants, with a similar short‑to‑medium range measured in a few hundred miles, often used for corporate, EMS, or law‑enforcement roles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet, generally seating around eight to ten passengers, with a range roughly in the 2,000‑mile class, aimed at regional and transcontinental trips and capable of operating from shorter runways than many jets. The Gulfstream G700 is an ultra‑long‑range large‑cabin jet, typically carrying about 12–19 passengers, with range around 7,000+ nautical miles, intended for intercontinental travel.
| Spec | Gulfstream G700 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 3 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 16 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Gulfstream | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | G700 | PC-24 |
| Certification | In Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 7500 | 2076 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 516 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $78,000,000 | $11,800,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 3.71 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.62 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 6680 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 1,619 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | Optional | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 16 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | FWD |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 12 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 23500 |
| Engine | ||
| Model | Pearl 700 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | On Condition | 5000 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 18250 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| FADEC | — | Yes |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 23 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 109.9 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 103 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 8.2 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6.25 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 56.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 25.4 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 195 | 90 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 |